truss

to make fast with skewers, thread, or the like, as the wings or legs of a fowl in preparation for cooking.

3.

to furnish or support with a truss or trusses.

4.

to tie or secure (the body) closely or tightly; bind (often followed by up).

5.

Falconry. (of a hawk, falcon, etc.) to grasp (prey) firmly.

noun

6.

Civil Engineering, Building Trades.

any of various structural frames based on the geometric rigidity of the triangle and composed of straight members subject only to longitudinal compression, tension, or both: functions as a beam or cantilever to support bridges, roofs, etc.

any of various structural frames constructed on principles other than the geometric rigidity of the triangle or deriving stability from other factors, as the rigidity of joints, the abutment of masonry, or the stiffness of beams.

7.

Medicine/Medical. an apparatus consisting of a pad usually supported by a belt for maintaining a hernia in a reduced state.

8.

Horticulture. a compact terminal cluster or head of flowers growing upon one stalk.

9.

Nautical. a device for supporting a standing yard, having a pivot permitting the yard to swing horizontally when braced.

10.

a collection of things tied together or packed in a receptacle; bundle; pack.

11.

Chiefly British. a bundle of hay or straw, especially one containing about 56 pounds (25.4 kg) of old hay, 60 pounds (27.2 kg) of new hay, or 36 pounds (16.3 kg) of straw.

c.1200, "collection of things bound together," from Old French trousse, torse, of unknown origin, perhaps from Vulgar Latin *torciare "to twist." Meaning "surgical appliance to support a rupture, etc." first attested 1540s. Sense of "framework for supporting a roof or bridge" is first recorded 1650s.

truss (trŭs)n. A supportive device, usually consisting of a pad with a belt, worn to prevent enlargement of a hernia or the return of a reduced hernia. v.trussed, truss·ing, truss·es To support or brace with a truss.